Hapkido History
Hapkido
The History of Hapkido
The history of Hapkido is the subject of some controversy. Some say
that Hapkido was founded by Yong Sul Choi who from 1919 to the
beginning of World War II, had studied Daito Ryu AikiJu-Jitsu in
Japan. However, some claim that Choi's Daito Ryu training was
limited to simply attending seminars.. Until the 1960's, Hapkido was
known by various names: Yu Kwon Sool, Yu-Sool, Ho Shin Sool, and Bi
Sool.
Yong Sul Choi / Han Jae Ji
Ji, Han Jae is considered by some to be the father and founder of
modern Hapkido. Ji started his physical training under Master Choi,
Yong Sool (Sul) as a teenager in 1953. Choi taught Bok Suh Yu Sool,
the Korean version of Daito Ryu AikiJu-Jitsu. At this time, certain
Korean kicks and punches were combined and the name expanded to
indicate the broadened art form called Korean Hap Ki Yu Kwon Sool.
Ji, Han Jae opened his first Yu Kwon Sool Hap Ki school one year
after he began training under Choi with an agreed affiliation with
him. Ji left Choi in 1956 to form his own organization, shortening
the long name to Hapkido. Ji immigrated to the United States in the
60's and continues to teach Hapkido today.
Hapkido and Aikido
Hapkido closely parallels (and is sometimes confused with) Aikido
and is a complete system of self-defence using striking, kicking and
grappling techniques. Hapkido and Aikido both have significant
similarities to Daito Ryu AikiJu-Jitsu.
All Hapkido techniques are used for their practical self-defence
purposes.
Since
the style is predominately defensive, a practitioner generally
allows an attacker to make the first move, thereby committing him or
herself. Originally a grappling and throwing art, it now includes a
variety of strikes and kicks. Hapkido was introduced in the United
States in the 1960s. The style became popular after the motion
picture Billy Jack featured Hapkido in its fight scenes,
realistically choreographed by Bong Soo Han, and it has grown in
popularity since. In the 1970's and 80's Hapkido was taught as the
style of choice to elite South Korean armed forces units.